Iran Ties with Egypt Serve Interests of Regional Nations

Service : Politic

TEHRAN, May 17 (ICANA) – The Iranian Foreign Ministry underlined Tehran's determination to resume diplomatic ties with Egypt, and said such relations will prove fruitful for not just the two nations, but the entire region.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011 7:53:07 PM

"As announced many times, relations between Iran and Egypt can yield abundant positive results," Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehman-Parast said on Tuesday, adding that officials of both countries are eager to develop the bilateral ties between Tehran and Cairo.

He reiterated that resumption of relations between Iran and Egypt would serve the interests the regional countries as well, and said, "Further attention and emphasis on cooperation and convergence among the regional countries will certainly help the countries of the region to provide for their needs."

After the collapse of Hosni Mubarak's regime, the Iranian and Egyptian officials have frequently voiced their interest in the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The invitation letter was submitted to the Egyptian foreign minister during a meeting between Director of Iran's Interest Section in Cairo Mojtaba Amani and al-Arabi.

Al-Arabi in his first press conference earlier last month announced Cairo's preparedness to open "a new page with Iran".

The official went on to say that the Egyptian government does not see Iran as an enemy state, noting the two countries have historically rooted relations.

He further stated that establishment of diplomatic ties depends on the Iranian side.

In reply, Salehi also said that Iran is ready to resume relations with Cairo.

In related news, Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani said on Monday that brotherly ties between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Egypt would leave positive impacts on Muslims states.

Larijani made the remark in a meeting with two prominent Egyptian socio-political figures in Tehran.

Larijani said the Iranian government and nation have supported the Egytian people since the very beginning of their uprising.

Prospects of cooperation between the two countries are very promising, he said adding that historical, cultural and religious commonalties serve to broaden friendly cooperation between Tehran and Cairo.

He expressed hope that the current developments in Egypt would lead to the country's attaining its high status among the Islamic states.

Ill-wishers such as the US, Zionist regime along with certain Arab monarchs are against the expansion of relations between Iran and Egypt, Larijani said.

The Americans seek to bring back reactionary movements to political scene to prevent growth of genuine movements among nations, he said.

The US and dictatorship are two major challenges facing popular uprisings in the region and Egypt is not an exception to this rule, Larijani said adding that democratic systems can help thwart such challenges.